Content warning: This article contains mention of sexual abuse and sexual assault.
Editor’s note: Duarte was placed on indefinite suspension from the Daily following his arrest and was terminated after his conviction.
Joshua Duarte, a graduate student in political science, was sentenced to one year of probation and a fine Thursday at the Story County Courthouse after he was found guilty of simple assault and stalking on July 24. The sentence also includes a permanent five-year no-contact order with the victim.
Prior to his October arrest, he was a reporter for the Iowa State Daily and associate Supreme Court justice for Student Government.
Simple assault is a misdemeanor, and it involves intentionally inflicting or threatening to inflict harm on another person. According to previous reporting by the Daily, Duarte was initially arrested for third-degree sexual abuse–a forced sexual act where the victim cannot consent.
The director of graduate education for the political science department, Mack Shelley, declined to comment on Duarte’s academic status immediately following the sentencing.
The graduate handbook states, “Individuals who alone, or in concert with others, are found responsible for engaging in Prohibited Sexual Harassment will be subject to disciplinary action by the university, up to and including expulsion or termination, notwithstanding any action that may or may not be taken by civil or law enforcement authorities.”
Sexual assault complaints can be filed with the Title IX Coordinator at 3410 Beardshear Hall or 515-294-7612. Green Dot Bystander Intervention Training can be requested through Student Wellness. Confidential student counseling services are available by calling 515-294-5056.
